The South African Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who also chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, has expressed concern over statements issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the death of a Ghanaian national in South Africa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 2, 2026, the South African government said Ghana’s account linking the incident to anti-immigration protests and alleged xenophobic attacks was “factually incorrect” and not supported by police findings.
According to Minister Kubayi, the Ghanaian national was not killed during demonstrations but was fatally wounded in a separate criminal incident on Monday, June 29, 2026.
She explained that police investigations indicate the victim was attacked at his workplace in Nyanga, Western Cape, in what is suspected to be an extortion-related robbery.
Quoting an official police report, the minister said the victim, a 35-year-old man, was shot inside a barbershop on Emms Drive after unknown suspects allegedly entered the premises, demanded money, and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
The victim was declared dead at the scene by emergency personnel, and investigations are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators.
Minister Kubayi disputed claims that the death occurred during anti-immigration demonstrations, adding that no fatalities were recorded in connection with the protests.
She further urged Ghanaian authorities to rely on verified information and use diplomatic channels when communicating sensitive issues involving both countries.
“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she stated.
The minister also rejected suggestions of widespread xenophobic violence linked to the protests, insisting that isolated criminal acts were being handled by law enforcement agencies.
While extending condolences to the bereaved family, she assured that South African authorities would ensure justice is served.
She, however, cautioned against the spread of misinformation that could strain diplomatic relations, stressing that such matters should be addressed through official bilateral channels.
The statement was issued by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration.
